Huawei’s story stands apart due to its geopolitical challenges. After facing significant sanctions and trade restrictions, many industry observers predicted its decline. However, Huawei defied expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Huawei shipped 12.7 million smartphones in China and held nearly 17% of the local market. These numbers reflect a strong 14% year-over-year growth.
achieved this turnaround by doubling down on premium products. The company targeted the $600 to $1,000 smartphone segment and recorded double-digit growth globally in this range. The brand focused on quality, design, and self-reliant chip development to regain consumer trust and market share.
Huawei unveiled the , the world’s first tri-foldable smartphone. This device features a 10.2-inch display that folds into a 6.4-inch form factor, making it both powerful and portable. By pushing boundaries in foldable design and self-developed hardware, Huawei demonstrated that innovation can thrive despite external restrictions.
Technological Leadership and Innovation
Chinese OEMs continue to lead in critical technology segments, including AI and camera systems. Huawei and Xiaomi control over 60% of the AI smartphone market in China. Their devices use artificial intelligence for photography enhancement, smart battery management, voice interaction, and predictive behavior analytics.
These companies also dominate the foldable phone market. Huawei’s tri-fold Mate XT and Xiaomi’s dual-fold prototypes represent a vision where smartphones become hybrid devices—part phone, part tablet. These innovations serve consumers seeking versatility, style, and productivity.
Chinese OEMs invest heavily in in-house chip development, operating systems, and software ecosystems. Huawei’s HarmonyOS and Xiaomi’s HyperOS reflect the ambition to reduce reliance on third-party platforms and control user experiences more directly. These proprietary systems provide a seamless integration across phones, wearables, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
